🚀 WE ARE SOLD OUT! 🚀
Thank you to everyone who registered for Blu’s Cyber Venture Forum - we’re blown away by the overwhelming interest! We can’t wait to connect with our incredible attendees for an exciting day of cybersecurity innovation.
Missed out this year? Stay tuned for details on next year’s event - it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!
COUNTDOWN TO CYBER VENTURE FORUM!
Interested in Sponsoring?
ABOUT THE EVENT
The Blu Cyber Venture Forum is the leading conference in the East for leveraging outcomes-based connections in cybersecurity.
CONNECT WITH US
300+
Companies
75%
Executive Presence
400+
Participants
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Personalized
Matchmaking
Founders & Funders
Pitch Session
Interactive
Booths
Cyber Tank
Pitch Competition
Individualized
Networking
Engaging
Speakers
If you’re an established cybersecurity startup with demonstrated traction, this is your chance to take the spotlight before top investors, industry leaders, and potential customers!
The winner will be eligible for up to $250,000 in funding (pending due diligence)—an incredible opportunity to accelerate growth and scale your cybersecurity innovation to new heights.
Why apply?
🔑 Present your vision on a premier platform for cyber innovation
🤝 Connect with leading VC firms, strategic partners, and fellow entrepreneurs
🚀 Access mentorship, funding, and invaluable feedback
CYBER TANK PITCH COMPETITION
CURRENT SPONSORS
Fueled by Andersen and Potomac Law
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
45 minutes
Secure Ventures Podcast
Main Stage
Speaker: Adam Vincent | Founder and CEO of Bricklayer.AI
Moderator: Kyle McNulty | Podcast Host, Secure Ventures
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
15 minutes
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Main Stage
Speaker: Mike Denning | Partner, Blu Venture Investors
Speaker: Joe Benevento | President and CEO, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
30 minutes
Morning Keynote
Main Stage
Speaker: George Barnes | President, Red Cell Partners
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
45 minutes
Trends in the Cybersecurity Venture Investing for 2025
Main Stage
Panelist: Benjamin Daniels | Partner, IBM Ventures
Panelist: Chris Eng | Principal, Sands Capital Management
Panelist: Roger Thorton | General Partner, Ballistic Ventures
Panelist: Seth Spergel | Managing Partner, Merlin Ventures
Moderator: Bill Phelps | Partner, Blu Venture Investors
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
15 minutes
Break/Networking
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
45 minutes
From Startup to Acquisition: Positioning for Exit
Main Stage
Panelist: Dina Berdichevsky | Vice President, JMI Equity
Panelist: DJ Palmer | Managing Director, Ascend Capital Group
Panelist: Lindsay Thomas | Corporate Partner, King & Spalding
Panelist: Paul Farrell | Partner, Pater Holdings
Moderator: Eric Parekh | Managing Partner, Ascend Capital Group
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
1 hour
Lunch & Secure Ventures Podcast
Main Stage
Speaker: Rick Howard | President, Cybersecurity Canon
Moderator: Kyle McNulty | Podcast Host, Secure Ventures
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
50 minutes
Afternoon Keynote
Main Stage
Speaker: Rob Lee | Chief Researcher and Head of Faculty, SANS Institute
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
45 minutes
Beyond the Hype: Real-World Insight About AI and Data Security
Main Stage
Panelist: Michael Mestrovich | Vice President / CISO, Rubrik
Panelist: Awah Teh | Vice President, Capital One
Panelist: Michael Baker | Vice President / Global CISO, DXC Technology
Moderator: John Israel | Global AI Security and Data Security Lead, KPMG
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
15 minutes
Break/Networking
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
45 minutes
How AI is Affecting National Security Strategy
Main Stage
Panelist: Gregory Crabb | CISO in Residence, Ballistic Ventures
Panelist: Charlie Moore | Lt. Gen (Ret.), Former Deputy Commander, U.S. Cyber Command
Panelist: Dr. Kristen Summers | VP and Technical Fellow, Data and AI, ManTech
Moderator: Jon Darby | Director of Operations (Ret), NSA
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
15 minutes
Break/Networking
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1 hour
Cyber Tank Pitch Competition
Main Stage
Startup 1: Level 6 Cybersecurity
Startup 2 : Scapien
Startup 3: StrongestLayer
Judge: Tate Beasley | Investment Associate, VIPC
Judge: Deb Fitzgerald | Partner, Blu Venture Investors
Judge: Katherine Ritchie | Senior Director, Venture Funds, TEDCO
Judge: Mel Shakir | Partner, Dreamit Ventures
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
2 hours
Closing Remarks & Cocktail Reception
Main Stage